RIBA and Perran Moon MP Explore the Buttermarket’s Architecture

It was a pleasure to welcome Perran Moon MP, Samuel Leeson from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), and Jen Boddington, Project Architect at Architectural Thread, to the Buttermarket in Redruth.

The visit provided an opportunity to look more closely at the architectural and heritage work behind the transformation of the Buttermarket, as well as to discuss the wider role that projects like this can play in the future of our town centres.

Jen, who worked on the architectural project, joined our Chair, Ross Williams, to guide the group around the Buttermarket. Together, they shared some of the details behind the restoration, from the careful approach to the historic buildings and retained features through to the contemporary interventions that have helped create a flexible space for businesses, culture and community activity.

The Buttermarket is a cluster of Grade II listed buildings dating back to 1825, and its transformation required a careful balance between protecting the character and history of the site and finding new ways for the buildings to work for Redruth today.

The tour provided a chance to explore some of the decisions made throughout the project and how the design responds to the site's history, setting and future use. It also highlighted the collaborative approach that has been central to the Buttermarket, bringing together architects, heritage specialists, contractors, funders, local businesses and the wider community.

The visit also sparked valuable conversations about the importance of heritage-led regeneration in revitalising town centres, particularly here in Cornwall. Historic buildings can be significant assets for communities, providing a sense of identity and connection to place while also creating opportunities for new businesses, cultural activity and community use.

For Redruth Revival, the Buttermarket demonstrates what can be achieved when historic buildings are not simply preserved, but carefully brought back into active use. By restoring the market buildings and creating a vibrant new destination, the project has helped to reconnect the site with the life of the town and provide a home for independent businesses and cultural activity.

It was particularly valuable to share the story of the Buttermarket with Perran Moon and Samuel Leeson and to reflect on the lessons the project offers for heritage-led regeneration beyond Redruth. The visit was a reminder that successful regeneration is not just about buildings themselves, but about creating places where people want to spend time, businesses can grow and communities can come together.

We’re proud to see the Buttermarket recognised as an example of what thoughtful, collaborative and community-focused regeneration can achieve, and grateful to everyone who has played a part in bringing this historic part of Redruth back to life.